NHIA extends health insurance cover to women with obstetric fistula

From Fred Ezeh, Abuja

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has expanded its health insurance intervention to cover women with obstetric fistula cases. This will be done through the Vulnerable Group Fund platform of the total health insurance package.

NHIA Director-General Dr Kelechi Ohiri told reporters at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja that the first phase of the intervention would begin in fistula obstetric centres in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo states. It would then be extended to other healthcare facilities in the second phase.

He explained that obstetric fistula is a serious and debilitating birth injury that occurs when a hole develops between the birth canal and the bladder or rectum during prolonged or obstructed labour.

“It’s also caused by prolonged labour, obstructed labour, poor access to adequate healthcare and early pregnancy and childbirth; and it’s treated via surgery (fistula repair), physical therapy, counselling, supportive care, among others,” he said.

Dr Ohiri noted that more women are presenting with obstetric fistula cases. He indicated that about 13,000 women in Nigeria develop obstetric fistula each year, and that Nigeria accounts for 7.5 per cent of the two million people living with unrepaired obstetric fistula globally. “This prompted this intervention, and we are optimistic of improved outcomes as soon as possible,” he said.

“Nigeria has a huge backlog of unrepaired obstetric fistula cases, and it might take quite a number of years to close the backlog gap. Globally, approximately two million people live with unrepaired obstetric fistula. Sadly, a larger percentage of this number are in developing countries.

“Here in Nigeria, we account for about 7.5 per cent of that number. We have roughly 13,000 new cases each year. At the current rate, if we do not intervene, it might take up to 83 years to actually close the backlog,” he said.

Dr. Ohiri said the role of the NHIA, through the Vulnerable Group Fund of the health insurance scheme, is to ensure that definitive care treatments for these women are affordable. He added that the aim is to reduce physical and financial pain.

“In the first phase, we intend to start with the national obstetric fistula centres, and there are four of them located in Katsina, Bauchi, Ebonyi, and Edo states. In the second phase of the intervention, we hope to expand it to other hospitals that provide fistula care services but are not necessarily designated for fistula care only,” he added.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, appreciated the concept as developed by NHIA. He expressed optimism that the intervention will make services affordable for women who suffer from the consequences of childbirth, thus leading to fistula.

The minister appealed to those involved in handling the intervention to be dedicated to providing the services to the people who need them.